Grape Train Escape: Wine Tasting and Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure

Sedona, USA

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

4 hours (approx.)
Paper ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.6

· Susan_L ·

Sep 2025

Absolute fun great food meet new friends open bar.....beautiful ride thru canyon...employees fabulous curtious friendly helpful

· Simon_T ·

Aug 2025

Well organized, staff were amazing and knowledgeable.Great fun experience. Would definitely recommend. Great value for money. Everyone had a great time.

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Overview

Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and techniques.

Wine train experience: Sample the wines of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond
Onboard Southwest winemakers provide insights into technique and terrior
Includes pairings of specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres
Small-group experience (maximum nine guests)

What's Included

First class seating
Accompanying appetizers to complement each wine selection
Wine tasting
Live commentary on board
Bottled water

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Pets are not allowed on train

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
At Verde Canyon Railroad train depot.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.5:30 pm

Ticket Redemption Point

300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA

Itinerary

Start your adventure at the Verde Canyon Railroad train depot, boarding the Grape Train Escape for a first-class open-air wine journey. Limited to nine guests, this small-group activity offers a more exclusive and personalized experience than crowded large-group tours.

During your tour, you can sip select Southwestern wines paired with specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres, while onboard winemakers share insights into their techniques and terroir.

Visit the John Bell Railroad Museum at the depot, exploring the railroad's heritage and local community history. Along the route, see the scenic Verde River, flowing beside the tracks laid over a century ago. Marvel at the stunning views from the SOB Canyon and its towering bridge.

Next, discover the story of Perkinsville Ghost Town, your journey's turnaround point, and glimpse the Tuzigoot National Monument from the train. Your wine-themed expedition then concludes back at the meeting point.

Verde Canyon Railroad

3 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Verde Canyon Railroad

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Verde River (Pass By)

S O B Canyon (Pass By)

Perkinsville Ghost Town (Pass By)

Tuzigoot National Monument (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Minimum age is 21 years
Service animals allowed

Infants must sit on laps
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Sonia_V

We had the best time. Beautiful scenery and our hostess, Kerry was amazing! So much fun!! Will definitely be doing this again.

Reviews

4.6

based on 30 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Train Trip

Lynn_N, Sep 2025

That the wines were not good nor did they offer a variety that would appeal to a person that likes a sweeter wine.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Lynn, thanks for your feedback on the Grape Train Escape wine selections. We will share them with our special events team.

Wine tasting train ride

Sonia_V, Sep 2025

We had the best time. Beautiful scenery and our hostess, Kerry was amazing! So much fun!! Will definitely be doing this again.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Sonia, we're happy you enjoyed riding the Grape Train Escape with us. We'll be sure to share your compliments with Kerry.

Awesome train ride

mglawe1, Sep 2025

Great way to see the rocks and formations. Excellent narrator, Aiden. Our car was newly remodeled. Very comfy.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thanks for the kind words for our scenery, seating and crew. We'll be sure Aiden receives your compliments.

Absolute fun great food...

Susan_L, Sep 2025

Absolute fun great food meet new friends open bar.....beautiful ride thru canyon...employees fabulous curtious friendly helpful

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Susan, thanks for your great compliments for our crew, views and food. We love it when people strike up friendships with fellow passengers!

Train and wine tasting

Simon_T, Aug 2025

Well organized, staff were amazing and knowledgeable.Great fun experience. Would definitely recommend. Great value for money. Everyone had a great time.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Simon, thanks for riding the Grape Train Escape and sharing kind words about your experience. We're delighted your party had a great time riding with us.

Awesome train experience - less so at the depot before the train.

Karen_S, Jun 2025

It was an awesome experience! The time before the train ride was much less desirable. The food options were limited and mostly fried food. There were few vegetarian food options (only 1 which was a salad with no meat added.) There was no wifi provided on the train, which can be considered good or bad depending on your perspective.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Karen, we're glad you enjoyed the ride. We will share your comments with the kitchen team.

We really enjoyed it and...

Jayne_W, Jun 2025

We really enjoyed it and the stories the host would tell. Although we were expecting the wines to be of a local flavor. Disappointed they were from South America. But it was a fun experience.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks for riding the Grape Train Escape, Jayne. We're happy to hear you enjoyed the experience. We rotate the featured wine regions, but definitely get the most enthusiam for dates that feature Arizona wines. We will share your comments with our food and beverage team.

Train ride definitely, but forget the wine experience

Larry_H, Jun 2025

The Verde Canyon Railroad trip in itself is a magnificent trip! It is very scenic and the accommodations on the train are comfortable and clean (except maybe the restrooms). The one negative is we booked the “Grape Train Escape” wine tasting experience which was a total rip off. The wines we tasted were all by Jacob’s Creek and Autralian label that sells for around $3 at your local grocer. We are in the middle of Arizona’s wine country and yet they are offering bad wine from Australia. So for an upcharge of $36 per person you get a VERY SMALL pour of marginal wines. I’m not a wine snob by any means, but they should work with some of the local producers and make this a special event. Fortunately the scenery the train reveals helps to smooth over the disappointment. My advice is, definitely book the Saturday Starlight Trip, but save your money on the wine tasting ripoff. .

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Larry, we apreciate your feedback on the Grape Train Escape selections for June 7. We wil share your comments with our food and beverage team. We're thankful you enjoyed the Starlight scenery and the ride overall.

Fun Train Ride

Phylisha_W, Feb 2025

I experienced this solo and had a great time! I had so much wine, we did a champagne toast to start the train journey, and each person received their own charcuterie board with fruit, meats, cheeses, crackers, and chocolate. I loved hearing about the history of Verde Canyon! I will definitely recommend this for anyone: solo, girls trip, couples…. When I return back to Arizona, I would do this again!

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thanks for riding with us and recommending us! We look forward to welcoming you back aboard next time you're in AZ!

Highly recommended

Imre_K, Sep 2024

Our group was a family gathering to enjoy wine together on the rail trip. Perfect weather and out bartender was excellent. Would go again and would highly recommend it to others.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks for bringing your family to enjoy the Grape Train Escape with us! We appreciate you recommending the experience.

A Must Ecperiencef!

Ricky_W, Aug 2024

This was our best experience in Arizona! 4 hour ride, very informative! Byron was a treat. Funny, he pointed out points of interest and great picture opportunities! Everyone was friendly

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thanks for calling us a "MUST", Ricky! Byron is one of our very best. We'll be sure he sees your kind remarks. We appreciate you riding with us

Wine Tasting Ride

Devin_G, Aug 2024

Our hostess in the Cottonwood car was exceptional. She was very attentive and welcoming. Bryon was very knowledgeable of the ride and was also great . The 5:30 ride is the perfect time to go.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Devin, thanks for joining us on our Grape Train Escape. We're happy to hear our team serving the Cottonwood car on Saturday night hit all the marks. We will share your compliments with them.

Sedona experience

Cindy_S, Aug 2024

Loved it drink were good, being in the outside cart was relaxing and great views. Bryan did an amazing job giving us some history of the train and the route. Definitely would do it again and a must! If you are in Sedona. Totally worth it!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Cindy, we appreciate this enthusiastic endorsement. We'll be sure to share your great compliments with Byron.

Grape Train 2024

Michelle_M, Jul 2024

Wonderful views and amazing time with besties 🙏❤️. We met another group of ladies celebrating friendship. The employees were fun and engaging and very attentive. The charcuteries were scrumptious. We would highly recommend especially in the summer when it so hot here.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

It delights us that you and your besties enjoyed the wine-tasting and making new friends on a summer night in the Verde Canyon. We'll be sure to let our staff know how much you enjoyed their attention....and our charcuterie!

70th Birthday Celebration

Diedra_W, Jun 2024

My husband would always talk about riding the train through the canyons. We always thought we would but never did. Our birthdays are a day apart so our celebrations were special so this year I decided to take this train ride in his honor. And to add it was my 70th birthday. Loved the ride!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thanks for celebrating with us. We appreciate you spending your special birthday aboard Verde Canyon Railroad and sharing this lovely review.

Great experience!

Amy_S, Jun 2024

What a great and unique experience! We had an excellent host, Shae, who made everything so fun. I went with my son to celebrate his 21st birthday, stealing him away from his friends for one day to celebrate. Everyone on the train was celebrating something, so the atmosphere was incredibly joyful. The wine was good, and the appetizers complemented it nicely. They also had a full bar. We spent part of the time in the inside car but most of the time in the open car, gazing at the beautiful stars and wonderful scenery.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Amy, thanks for celebrating your son's special birthday with us aboard the Grape Train Escape! We appreciate this delightful review, and the shout-out to Shea. We'll be sure she sees your kind compliments.

Great experience

Patti_D, Sep 2022

It was a wonderful evening but they really need microphones on the people talking about all the history of the canyon that is piped into the closed cabins also because we only got one 16th of what he was saying

Response from Host, Sep 2022

Patti, thanks for joining us and for sharing these constructive comments. We always strive to improve the passenger experience.

Fun and disappointing at the same time.

Pamela_L, Aug 2022

Beautiful views of the Verde Valley! The gentleman sharing information about the valley was interesting. It was a fun trip BUT it was disappointing to return to the station in the dark. It would of been better to return in the sunset. The wine taste was disappointing. I would of enjoyed more commentary talking about the wines and what they pair with. Also riding on the open car to see the view was impossible to hold the box with the crackers etc . We drank the wine and then went in to eat the snacks after dark. It would of been much better to have the wine taste and pairing after dark. If I decide to do the ride again I will not do the wine taste.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thank you Pamela for sharing these suggestions. We appreciate that you joined us.

Scenic Train Ride & Good Wine Tasting

rumncoke1, May 2022

Nice selection of wines for tasting and scenic train ride but there is nothing at end of train route. In addition, did not see anyplace during booking that allowed friends who booked separately to sit together. The staff were wonderful and rearranged seating to accommodate us but would be better if it could be done before Checkin.

Response from Host, Jun 2022

Thank you for joining us for our first Grape Train Escape event of the summer. We're happy our desk agents were able to rearrange seating at the last minute to connect you with your friends. We are so sorry that you did not notice the “link” ability on the booking page of the website. Maybe we need to enlarge that option. We will take a look at it.